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Top Chef Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Tacoma, WA ยท On-site

$86K - $95K/yr

We have a facilities Manager that works tirelessly to keep our restaurants in top shape. There is ... The Chef is accountable for the overall success of kitchen operations. We have taken great care to ...

Sous Chef

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

We have a facilities Manager that works tirelessly to keep our restaurants in top shape. There is ... The Chef team is accountable for the overall success of kitchen operations. We have taken great ...

Sous Chef

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

We have a facilities Manager that works tirelessly to keep our restaurants in top shape. There is ... The Chef team is accountable for the overall success of kitchen operations. We have taken great ...

Sous Chef

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

We have a facilities Manager that works tirelessly to keep our restaurants in top shape. There is ... The Chef team is accountable for the overall success of kitchen operations. We have taken great ...

Sous Chef

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

We have a facilities Manager that works tirelessly to keep our restaurants in top shape. There is ... The Chef team is accountable for the overall success of kitchen operations. We have taken great ...

Sous Chef

Bellevue, WA

$80K - $87K/yr

We have a facilities Manager that works tirelessly to keep our restaurants in top shape. There is ... The Chef team is accountable for the overall success of kitchen operations. We have taken great ...

Sous Chef

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

We have a facilities Manager that works tirelessly to keep our restaurant in top shape. There is ... The Sous Chefs are accountable for overall success of kitchen operations. We have taken great care ...

Sous Chef

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$80K - $87K/yr

We have a facilities Manager that works tirelessly to keep our restaurant in top shape. There is ... The Sous Chefs are accountable for overall success of kitchen operations. We have taken great care ...

DISTRICT CHEF - EVERETT, WA

Everett, WA ยท On-site

$100K - $112K/yr

Helps chefs manage cost controls and control expenditures for the account * Teaches Chefs how to ... Desire to learn and grow with a top notch foodservice company Apply to Eurest today! Eurest is a ...

Sous Chef

Bellevue, WA

$80K - $87K/yr

We have a facilities Manager that works tirelessly to keep our restaurant in top shape. There is ... The Sous Chefs are accountable for overall success of kitchen operations. We have taken great care ...

Helps chefs manage cost controls and control expenditures for the account * Teaches Chefs how to ... Desire to learn and grow with a top notch foodservice company Apply to Eurest today! Eurest is a ...

Sous Chef at Docs

Bainbridge Island, WA ยท On-site

$23 - $32/hr

We are seeking a full time Sous Chef to join our hard working team, all the while keeping our "Food ... Top salary commensurate to experience. We are excited to now offer health benefits for our ...

DISTRICT CHEF - EVERETT, WA

Everett, WA ยท On-site

$100K - $112K/yr

Helps chefs manage cost controls and control expenditures for the account * Teaches Chefs how to ... Desire to learn and grow with a top notch foodservice company Apply to Eurest today! Eurest is a ...

Helps chefs manage cost controls and control expenditures for the account * Teaches Chefs how to ... Desire to learn and grow with a top notch foodservice company Apply to Eurest today! Eurest is a ...

Executive Chef

Bellevue, WA

$80K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: 110,000-115,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Desire to learn and grow with a top notch foodservice company Apply to Bon Appetit today! Bon ...

Executive Chef

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: 110,000-115,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Desire to learn and grow with a top notch foodservice company Apply to Bon Appetit today! Bon ...

Executive Chef

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: 110,000-115,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Desire to learn and grow with a top notch foodservice company Apply to Bon Appetit today! Bon ...

Executive Chef

Bellevue, WA

$80K - $111K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: 110,000-115,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Desire to learn and grow with a top notch foodservice company Apply to Bon Appetit today! Bon ...

Resort Executive Sous Chef

Puyallup, WA

$69K - $89K/yr

Top quality must be maintained in foods prepared and the sous chef must ensure this. They must take charge and control how foods are served to guests. They are equally required to provide training ...

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Showing results 1-20

Top Chef information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$11

$28

$51

How much do top chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for top chef in Seattle, WA is $28.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $35.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid chef?

The highest paid chefs are often executive chefs or celebrity chefs, with top earners making over $200,000 annually. Factors influencing salary include experience, reputation, location, and the prestige of the establishment or media presence.

How much does a Top Chef earn?

Top Chefs typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the prestige of the establishment. Highly renowned chefs or those working in luxury restaurants can earn significantly more, especially with bonuses and endorsements.

What does a Top Chef do?

A Top Chef is a highly skilled culinary professional responsible for creating innovative dishes, managing kitchen staff, and overseeing the overall operations of a restaurant or culinary establishment. They are often recognized for their exceptional cooking techniques, creativity, and leadership within the kitchen. Top Chefs may also handle menu development, food sourcing, and ensure that food quality and safety standards are met. In addition to their culinary expertise, they often serve as mentors to junior chefs and may participate in food competitions or television shows. Their role is essential for maintaining the reputation and success of the dining experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Top Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Top Chef, you need exceptional culinary skills, deep knowledge of food safety, and typically formal training from a culinary institute. Mastery of kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, leadership, and strong communication skills help chefs manage teams and create memorable dining experiences. These abilities ensure high-quality cuisine, efficient kitchen operations, and customer satisfaction in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Top Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectTop ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCooking experience, culinary skills, often culinary schoolSimilar credentials, culinary experience, often culinary school
Work EnvironmentHigh-end restaurants, culinary competitions, TV showsKitchen of a restaurant, supporting head chef
Industry UsageMedia, culinary competitions, restaurant kitchensRestaurant kitchens, hospitality industry
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Top Chef and Sous Chef both require culinary skills and experience, but Top Chef often refers to chefs in competitions or media, while Sous Chef is a key supporting role in restaurant kitchens. Both roles are integral to culinary operations, with Top Chef more associated with media and competitions, and Sous Chef focused on kitchen management and support.

How much do top chefs get paid?

Top chefs' salaries vary based on experience, location, and establishment, but they typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually. Highly renowned chefs or those working in luxury restaurants can earn significantly more, especially with bonuses, endorsements, or ownership stakes.

What is the highest paying type of chef?

Executive chefs, also known as head chefs, tend to be the highest paid among culinary professionals, especially in fine dining restaurants, hotels, and resorts. They often have extensive experience, leadership skills, and may earn additional income through bonuses or profit sharing.

What are some common challenges faced by Top Chefs in high-end kitchens, and how can they overcome them?

Top Chefs in high-end kitchens often face challenges such as managing a diverse team under pressure, maintaining consistency across dishes, and balancing creativity with customer preferences. Effective communication and strong organizational skills help in delegating tasks and ensuring smooth kitchen operations. Staying updated with culinary trends and fostering a positive team environment can also help Top Chefs overcome these challenges and deliver exceptional dining experiences.
What are popular job titles related to Top Chef jobs in Seattle, WA? For Top Chef jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Top Chef jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Top Chef jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Top Chef job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,524 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

$86K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Do you want to work for a company where you can make a difference every day? Are you currently a Chef, with talent but no opportunity to show it? If so, Cactus might be the next step in your career!

Cactus is looking for a talented Chef to lead our location in Tacoma. The ideal candidate is an experienced "hands-on" leaders who is energetic and self-starting with guest first operations focus. Candidates must have the capacity to build relationships, motivate others and create a culture of accountability. It is essential that the candidate is extremely positive, outgoing, a team player, and a strong and supportive leader. A high degree of accountability, integrity, and the ability to direct others to achieve company goals are key traits for success in this position.ย  Most importantly, candidates should have a passion for the industry and a strong desire to work for a company that does everything the right way.

How are we different?

  • We have a great Human Resources and Training Director to ensure we handle ourselves properly and with the utmost integrity.
  • We have a great training program, develop our people, and are dedicated to initial and ongoing training. We provide extensive training on every aspect of BOH operations as well as advanced lessons on restaurant finances.
  • We are a purpose driven company and exist to Enable Happiness and Ensure Loyalty at Every Interaction. This purpose statement is more about how we treat each other. Ask any of our current employees and they'll confirm we live our purpose, and all decisions are made through that lens. As a result, people love working here.
  • We support our business! We have Regional Chefs that oversee 3 stores and work out of the restaurants daily. These same regional chefs also cover all vacations.
  • We have a facilities Manager that works tirelessly to keep our restaurants in top shape. There is zero deferred maintenance or broken equipment in our company. If something is broken you simply open an app, log the request and it will get fixed (almost magically) immediately.
  • Our restaurants are organized, systematized and we run it like a business . We don't cut corners and we focus on doing things right. There s a strong culture of accountability which is not for everyone but if you crave order and logic, you'll love it here.
  • The owners are actively involved in the business.
  • We have a history of strong and steady growth. Our concepts are proven, and the owners have the desire and capital to grow, resulting in opportunity for career growth.

Job Specifics:

  • The Chef is accountable for the overall success of kitchen operations. We have taken great care to outline our specifications and detail our standards and the primary focus of our Chef to ensure that these are always executed with integrity.
  • Promoting a culture of accountability in which our purpose of Enabling Happiness and Ensuring Loyalty with Every Interaction can thrive.
  • Providing training, leadership and coaching to all hourly employees to achieve the highest standards in all restaurant operations.
  • Building relationships with others and fostering a positive environment where employees are enabled and motivated to obtain results.
  • Ensuring financial success by driving sales and controlling costs to achieve the company s profitability goals.
  • Working with others to assertively address and overcome all obstacles that face the business.
  • Using data to make business decisions that optimize the health of the restaurants.

Requirements

  • 1-3 years high volume, upscale Chef experience with a strong track record of progressive career growth (within one company a plus).
  • High energy works with a sense of urgency and has the capacity to self-motivate.
  • Polished and professional presentation and approach.
  • Strong leadership traits with the ability to drive performance results through motivating and coaching others.
  • Detail oriented with high standards in service, organization, and operations
  • Strong kitchen management experience.
  • Proficiency with MS office suite (SharePoint, Outlook and Strong excel skills a plus).
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. (Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.)
  • Flexible schedule

Benefits

  • Employees are eligible for 90% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance after 60 full days of employment.
    • Dependent/family coverage is available at full cost to the employee.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): 12 days per year.
  • Paid Holidays: 5 paid holidays per year.
  • Additional benefits include:
    • Free meals on shifts worked.
    • 50% off when dining on a day off.

Sous Chef:

Starting Salary Range: $86,000 - $89,000 per year, based on position and experience.
Salary Range: $86,000 - $95,000 per year.

Other Compensation:

  • In addition to the base salary, hired applicants may be eligible for quarterly and annual discretionary bonuses based on store performance.